OUT OF HOURS CARE
When the surgery is closed telephone the normal number (01274) 234979
and you will be transferred to the out-of-hours service that the
PCT has employed to provide emergency care
When is the out-of-hours period?
The out-of-hours period is from 6:30pm to 8:00am Monday to Friday or
at any time on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. If you think
you need to see a GP when your surgery is closed, you should ring
your surgery and listen to the answerphone message which will tell
you how to contact the out-of-hours provider
What are out-of-hours providers?
Out-of-hours provider is the name used to describe GP co-operatives
and commercial out-of-hours companies. Out-of-hours providers provide
healthcare for those who need it when their surgery is closed
Who provides out-of-hours care?
Your local Primary Care Trust is responsible for making sure your out-of-hours
healthcare needs are met, whether this is by GP out-of-ours services,
Minor Injuries units, or Walk In Centres
When should I call the GP out-of-hours service?
Out of hours is an emergency service which is intended for urgent medical
conditions that require attention overnight or at other times when
your GP's surgery is closed. If you are unsure as to how urgent your
condition is or you need reassurance on a health matter then you
should consult NHS Direct On-Line at: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or
ring NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 before contacting the out-of-hours
Service
How long will I have to wait for a GP to see me?
When you contact the out-of-hours provider the details of your condition
will be assessed by a doctor or nurse who will prioritise your call
according to your needs. The doctor may phone you back with some
advice or he or she may invite you to attend an out-of-hours centre
if that is necessary. In certain circumstances, the doctor will visit
you at home. The out-of-hours providers will be monitored carefully
to ensure that patients are not waiting for a long time
Will I be able to ask a doctor to come and visit me at home?
Your out-of-hours GP or nurse will assess your symptoms and decide
whether a home visit is needed
If a doctor can't visit me at home where will I have to travel
to?
You will be asked where your doctor's surgery is when you phone the
out-of-hours Provider. If you are able to travel you will be offered
an appointment at the nearest out-of-hours centre
When should I ring NHS Direct?
You can call NHS Direct at any time, day or night on 0845 46 47, for
nurse advice if you are feeling unwell or for reassurance and health
information on conditions such as diabetes and allergies. You might
find it useful to visit the NHS Direct On-Line web site: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk for
a range of health advice for you and your family. Here you will find
a self-help guide to treating common health problems at home, an
encyclopedia covering hundreds of illnesses and a directory of local
pharmacists
I need a repeat prescription out of hours
Your local pharmacist is qualified to give expert advice without an
appointment. For a directory of local pharmacists click on-line at: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or
ring NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. (See When should I contact NHS Direct?)
What if I need a dentist out of hours?
If you are registered with a dentist you should contact your dental
surgery to find out about urgent treatment. Alternatively, you should
ring the out-of-hours provider who will put you in touch with the
Emergency Dental Service
Abridged source: Leeds PCT
NHS
Direct 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
